Inspired by recent sustainable development initiatives and environmental reforms introduced by the government of President Ilham Aliyev, a coalition of seasoned industry professionals has officially announced the creation of the Azerbaijan Ecotourism Association (AETA). This new organization is designed to spearhead the implementation and widespread fostering of ecological culture and sustainable ecotourism practices throughout Azerbaijan, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s environmental and economic evolution.
The establishment of AETA comes at a crucial time when nations worldwide are increasingly focusing on green economies and responsible travel. Recognizing that sustainable tourism requires deep collaboration across multiple sectors, the visionary founders of AETA did not act in isolation. Before finalizing the formation of the association, they engaged in comprehensive consultations with a wide array of local and international experts, as well as representatives from prestigious global and domestic organizations.
Among the key international bodies consulted are The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), alongside regional entities such as the REM Caucasus Regional Eco Center. Domestically, the founders coordinated closely with the DAIR Hotels and Restaurants Association, the Azerbaijan Nature Protection Society, the State Tourism Agency, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This extensive network of advisors underscores the association’s commitment to aligning its strategies with both rigorous international standards and national environmental priorities.
The overarching objective of the newly formed Azerbaijan Ecotourism Association is to actively support and facilitate targeted initiatives that will help elevate Azerbaijan to a prominent leadership position among sustainable tourism destinations globally. As part of its core mission, AETA is dedicated to advocating for and promoting the vital development of ecological culture, ecotourism, environmental protection, and the meticulous conservation of the nation’s rich biodiversity. By championing sustainable tourism practices, the association aims to demonstrate that economic growth in the tourism sector can go hand in hand with the preservation of natural resources.
To achieve these ambitious goals, AETA plans to support the creation and expansion of innovative ecotourism products tailored to modern travelers who prioritize sustainability. These offerings will include outdoor recreational activities, healthy and ecological food initiatives, agritourism, rural tourism development, eco-hotels, and sustainable eco-hospitality standards. Furthermore, the association intends to actively promote these newly developed products on international markets, effectively positioning and representing Azerbaijan on the global stage as a premier destination for ecotourism.
The founding members have jointly expressed their unwavering dedication to promoting and supporting the growth of eco-culture and ecotourism across the country. In light of this mission, they have issued a public call to action, urging citizens, businesses, and community stakeholders to support them along this important path. Special emphasis will be placed on motivating the younger generation to become more active participants and leaders in pursuing environmental sustainability within their home country, ensuring that the movement has long-term viability and grassroots momentum.
Leading the charge for the newly formed association is Samir Dubendi, who serves as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the DAIR Hotels and Restaurants Association and as a head lecturer at the Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University (ATMU) Hotel and Restaurant Business Department. Speaking on the timeline and operational outlook of the organization, Dubendi expressed strong optimism that the association would be fully operational and up and running within a month. "We are working hard to do everything as rapidly as we can," Dubendi remarked, highlighting the urgency and dedication driving the founding team forward.
Mr. Dubendi additionally emphasized that he and his fellow founders are fully committed to maintaining close, ongoing collaborations with international experts and organizations as they steadily move toward their strategic goals. Highlighting the value of global partnerships, Dubendi stated that he and his colleagues hope to remain in permanent touch with The International Ecotourism Society, drawing upon its vast resources to successfully adopt and share indispensable global experiences within the local context.
The leadership team behind AETA brings together a wealth of professional expertise and industry acumen. Alongside Samir Dubendi, the association was founded by Zurab Israfilov, Rufat Gojayev, and Vugar Dargahov. Each of these co-founders possesses considerable experience in tourism, hospitality, and environmental advocacy, providing the fledgling association with a strong and knowledgeable foundation from which to launch its nationwide initiatives.
The launch of the association has already drawn warm recognition from international partners who have closely monitored Azerbaijan’s tourism landscape. Officials at The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) have formally extended their congratulations to the founders of AETA, welcoming the organization into the global ecotourism community and acknowledging the significance of this important undertaking for the region. As AETA prepares to finalize its operational structure in the coming weeks, the broader tourism and environmental sectors await the tangible impacts of this ambitious green initiative.
